Another State Grant For Controversial Plan
The controversial QueensWay project took a major step forward last Friday, Dec. 12, when the Trust for Public Land (TPL) and Friends of the QueensWay announced that they received a $443,750 award through the New York City Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) for further study and developmnt of the linear park plan.
This is the second award the project received from the New York City REDC; the first one helped fund the QueensWay feasibility planning study.
“This vital grant brings us one step closer to making the QueensWay a reality,” said Rep. Joseph Crowley. He stated his belief that it is important to build “a unique park in our borough that will not only provide great health and environmental benefits to the surrounding communities but also the potential to spur significant economic growth in the area.”
The QueensWay project would transform a 3.5-mile section of the abandoned Rockaway Beach branch of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) into an elevated pedestrian and bicycle pathway. The project will provide recreation areas, alternative commuting and public green spaces.
The elevated railway will connect the communities of Rego Park, Forest Hills, Richmond Hill, Glendale, Woodhaven and Ozone Park.
The money awarded from this grant will be used to design the “Northern Gateway” section of the QueensWay located in Rego Park.
This portion of the 47-acre railway will maintain and feature a large number of mature trees, bioretention basins along with other green infrastructures that can absorb large amounts of rain water.
There will also be a naturethemed adventure playground and access paths to adjacent streets.
Marc Matsil, TPL’s New York director said the QueensWay will, “boost local businesses, provide safe access to recreation; will provide alternative transportation choices.”
Travis Terry of the Friends of the QueensWay said, “this grant represents an important step forward in our efforts to build New York’s next great park.” The Friends of QueensWay is a community organization who advocate for the conversion of the Rockaway Rail Line.
Although the project is getting support from government officials, community groups and economic councils, there is still a large number of residents of the involved communities that are opposed to the creation of the QueensWay, making this a divisive issue throughout Queens.
Many residents believe a new park is not what the community needs, but reusing that railway for more mass transit opportunities would be better suited for Queens.
